KCK student works on production of ‘Uncle Vanya’

Courtney Romero of Kansas City, Kan., is a member of the company that will present “Uncle Vanya,” Chekhov’s classic tragicomedy, at Emporia State University. Romero is on the scenery crew for this production.

Translated by Brian Friel, this modern adaptation of the Chekhov classic was first produced at the Gate Theatre, Dublin, in 1998. Friel’s adaptation renders the language of the play into a modern idiom and offers humor and further developed characters’ roles and relationships.

“Uncle Vanya” will be performed April 16-19 and 23-26 at 7:30 p.m. in the R.Q. Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall.

Lakeside Speedway to open season Sunday afternoon

Spring weather has caused cancellation of the usual Friday night opening at Lakeside Speedway, 5614 Wolcott Drive, Kansas City, Kan.

According to Lakeside officials, the new opening date is Sunday afternoon, March 30.

Races will start at 4 p.m. Sunday, with pit gates opening at 1:30 p.m., front gates at 2 p.m. and hot laps starting at 3:30 p.m.

Owner Mike Johnson said there will be many specials planned for this year’s events.

Johnson also owns I-35 Speedway in Winton, Mo., 10 miles north of Cameron, Mo., and the two USRA racetracks will be holding Border War competitions this year. 35 Speedway opens Saturday night.

Next week’s Lakeside race is scheduled Friday, April 4. On Friday, April 11, racing at Lakeside includes the U.S. Modified Touring Series. For more information, visit  www.lakesidespeedway.net.

KDOT to close 134th Street near I-70 next week for bridge work

134th Street near I-70 will be closed to all through traffic from March 31 to April 4 for bridge construction work.

The road closure includes both northbound and southbound lanes from Kansas Avenue to Riverview Avenue, and will be in effect 24/7. The closure starts at 8 a.m. Monday, March 31, and runs through 6 p.m. April 4.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there will be no marked detour. Drivers will need to use alternate routes during the roadway closure.

The Kansas Department of Transportation urged all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and slow down when approaching and driving through the project work zone.